SOC 53-4022
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Risk Score
⚠️57/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥12,460
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$65K
$44K – $81K
Projected Growth
📈+1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖38/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers face a risk score of 57/100 — 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $65K ($19K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 57/100, Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 12,460 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating complex urban environments with obstacles and customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
AI route optimization reducing dispatcher roles
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating complex urban environments with obstacles
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 84% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 82% |
| Ship Engineers | 33 | $101K | 78% |